The Community Service Sanction

As part of sanctions involving most university drug violations, major alcohol violations, and some others, students are required to complete 25 hours of community service. The hours must be performed by the student at a legitimate non-profit organization or for Appalachian State University. The Office of Student Conduct offers both on- and off-campus options for performing service hours, but students are encouraged to design a service plan that is best suited to their interests. On- and off-campus community outreach centers are helpful resources for students in this area (see below for more information).

A student's service hours must be documented on an official Community Service Hours Form. This hours sheet must be signed by the student and non-profit organization manager and/or university official and turned in to the Office of Student Conduct by the prearranged due date. You can download a copy of the Community Service Hours Sheet by clicking here or referring to the Realted Documents Toolbar on this screen.

Reflection

An integral part of any community service experience (voluntary or mandatory) is the process of reflection. When one takes part in a reflection activity he or she contemplates the broader social, political, emotional and/or spiritual forces and issues in which the act of service was contextualized. Reflection can take many forms: thoughtful time alone, a group processing session among friends or others with whom you have shared a service experience, a poem, a painting; and countless others. To encourage your engagement in the reflection process, you have four options from which to choose, but please feel free to contact the Community Service Coordinator with any requests for a self-designed reflection activity.

OPTION ONE, Informative Essay: Write at least a three page paper on one of the non-profit organizations you worked with during your service experience. Include in the paper the answers to (at least) the following questions: What does the organization do, or what population of the Boone (greater Watauga) community does the organization serve and how? Who are the people that work there, mostly volunteers or paid employees? What are some of the positive and negative aspects of the organization? What improvements can be made to the organization and how can one go about making those changes happen? What are the benefits or what positive experiences can one gain from working with this organization? NOTE: One-inch margins, size 12 font.

OPTION TWO, A Service Journal: First, obtain a "Service Journal Guide" from the Student Judicial Counselor. For each day that you spend doing any number of your required 25 hours of community service, you will need to type a response to each of the listed questions. (So, for example, if you stretch your 25 hours out over a ten day period, then you will need to turn in ten completed journal entries.) The questions on the journal entries are designed for you to reflect on the signifigance of your hard day's work, so please take the questions seriously. NO ONE WORD ANSWERS ALLOWED! The Community Service Coordinator can decide if your performace on the journal entries was inadequate and require you to complete one of the other three reflection options.

OPTION THREE, Creative Expression: Write a song, a poem or a letter to a friend, ASU Administrator, or family member describing your community service experience. What feelings did you experience while performing the required service hours? What challenges did you face and how did you strive to overcome those challenges? Do/did you consider the service experience a success? NOTE: All creative poems and songs must be at least 20 lines in length (no limericks!), and all letters should be at least two double-spaced pages, or one single-spaced page (one-inch margins, size 12 font).

Volunteer Opportunities

Appalachian State University and the town of Boone provide a diverse range of community service opportunities for students interested in actively participating with local community agencies. Watauga County has over 80 non-profit organizations, all which provide different and equally meaningful experiences for students. Appalachian State University works closely with these agencies through on-campus service clubs and the ACT Community Outreach Center. Appalachian State University also offers students the opportunity to particpate in service-learning courses which integrate service into academic cirriculums.

From interacting with the elderly and terminally ill to walking dogs at the local animal shelter, from organizing an on-campus recycling campaign to helping preserve wildlife on the Blue Ridge, students can make real effective change in the Appalachian, Boone, and larger Watauga community through meaningful service while learning in the process.

ACT Community Outreach Center

ACT is ASU's clearinghouse for community service and service-learning opportunities in Watauga County. They offer diverse opportunities for individuals and student groups to get involved in human services and environmental advocacy, as well as assist faculty members with integrating community service projects into their academic courses. Please visit the ACT website.

The Volunteer Outreach Center

The Volunteer Outreach Center recognizes that the knowledge, time, and energy of people are a powerful resource in our community. The VOC serves as an advocate and catalyst for volunteerism and as a tool for change and problem solving. The VOC strives to enhance the volunteer experience by assisting nonprofit agencies in their ability to receive and encourage volunteers.

To learn more about community service opportunities and non-profit organizations in Boone and Watauga County visit the VOC website.